Chapter 13 #2
On his ride back to Netherfield, Darcy kept thinking about his conversation with Mr Bennet.
He also remembered his argument with Caroline Bingley from two days prior, when she had accused Elizabeth of improper schemes.
There had been several servants helping with dinner that evening who had heard everything, and such rumours might have been easily repeated to the entire household and spread into Meryton by the next day.
It was not impossible, even probable, that Caroline was as guilty of those unfair charges as that pompous Mr Collins.
At Netherfield, Bingley went to speak to his sisters, but Darcy withdrew to his rooms to change for dinner and to reflect in peace.
He was interrupted from his thoughts by his man, Marston, handing him a letter delivered by express in his absence.
He needed only a glance to recognise Lady Catherine’s handwriting.
He rolled his eyes and opened it, prepared for more demands to visit Rosings Park and to consider marrying soon.
‘Dear Nephew,
I have discovered to my great disappointment that you are still in Hertfordshire, although you should have been in London a fortnight ago.
Furthermore, some reports of a most alarming nature have reached me, informing me that you have associated yourself with some people unworthy of your name and position, starting with the son of your father’s late steward and ending with a family which did not even meet Mr Collins’s approval.
He led me to understand that he was tempted to propose to his cousin — a Miss Elizabeth — whose appearance was not entirely unpleasant, but he changed his mind upon discovering her improper manners and lowly inclination towards officers.
Furthermore, I heard that that friend of yours, Bingley — the son of a tradesman, also unworthy of your attention or friendship — has a peculiar preference for the daughter of Mr Collins’s cousin.
If such a wedding does take place, I hope you know I shall never invite them to Rosings Park.
The closest they may approach us will be Mr Collins’s cottage!
You should be aware that such connections, albeit against your will or knowledge, might harm your good name and, by association, Anne’s. I would advise you to reconsider your responsibilities and to attend to your duties, as your beloved mother wished and as your family is expecting of you,
Your aunt,
Lady Catherine de Bourgh.’
Darcy felt he had reached the edge of his patience. The pompous, arrogant nonsense of the letter enraged him to the point of losing his temper, as he imagined his aunt and the sycophant Mr Collins gossiping about Elizabeth.
He knew he should allow himself time to calm down, he knew he should take some deep breaths before taking any action, but his anger could not be repressed.
He took a pen and a fresh sheet of paper and wrote,
‘Lady Catherine,
I thank you for your concern and advice, although I assure you neither of them is needed or required.
I fear you were misinformed and misled by someone not entirely worthy of your trust. I truly value my connection with Bingley, who is a most loyal friend, and I intend to grow it further in the years to come.
As for my connection with the Bennet family — especially with Mr Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet — making their acquaintance was one of the most fortunate circumstances of my life since it saved me from the trouble of having my name and my honour tarnished.
I do not feel the obligation or need to explain or justify myself further, but I do so for my mother’s memory, as you never cease to unnecessarily remind me.
You may have learnt that I was caught in a private encounter with Mr Wickham — who was found dead hours later.
Naturally, I became the main interest in the inquest that followed.
Only Miss Elizabeth’s confession to the magistrate — as she happened to privately witness this encounter — saved me from more explanations, possible accusations, and much distress.
I owe Miss Elizabeth and her father my tranquillity, as well as Georgiana’s.
On the subject of Miss Elizabeth, I have it from a most reliable source that Mr Collins’s pursuit was neither desired nor encouraged, and he was forced to reconsider his choice of a wife to the benefit of everyone involved.
As an additional note, Mr Collins’s betrothed, Miss Charlotte Lucas, is an excellent lady — an agreeable person with admirable manners and a good education — and he should praise and thank the Lord every day for his unexpected and hardly deserved good luck.
Lastly, you ought not to concern yourself. I assure you that I am considering and accomplishing very diligently all the duties that I know I owe to my family!
Until the opportunity of seeing you arises, I wish you and Cousin Anne my best wishes for your continued health, and I remain, yours,
Fitzwilliam Darcy’
Before he had time to change his mind, he sanded, folded, and sealed it, asking Marston to see to it being sent immediately.
While he prepared for dinner, the anger slowly dissipated, replaced by Elizabeth’s image.
Slowly, moment by moment, a thought took hold in his mind and grew stronger, making more and more sense, answering Darcy’s concerns better and better, until he realised it might be the best solution to everything.
By the time he accepted his coat from his man and put it on, all his doubts and worries had been conquered and his decision made, knowing it would bring happiness to him and to Georgiana as well. If only she — the one their felicity depended on — would accept such a fanciful suggestion!
His mind stuttered for a moment, and his heart skipped a beat from fear that his plans and hopes were unreasonable and would be shattered. And yet, he knew he had to at least try!